Hiding your coronavirus history can give you bad social credit

Shanghai city authorities have decided that hiding your history with the novel coronavirus is enough to land you on a social credit blacklist. The new rule covers people who have concealed travel history in areas affected by the virus, such as Wuhan, or contact with patients or suspected patients, according to a decision published Friday. The rule also affects those who evade isolation for medical observation.

This is just one of many strategies employed to try to stop the spread of the virus that’s already taken more than 600 lives. Over the past week, Chinese tech companies have pushed out new apps and features to show users if they traveled with coronavirus patients or which areas of a city have recorded coronavirus cases.

Social credit schemes in China are intended to act as a carrot-and-stick mechanism. They can punish individuals and businesses who fail to follow rules and regulations or offer rewards based on “good behavior.” Despite the potential impact on free speech, some experts say it could be best described as a citizen and company database. Shanghai’s social credit information site states that it compiles data on companies and individuals, including records of arrears and complaints and ability to repay debt.